Former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold Released From Jail

PASADENA, Md. (WJZ) -- Last seen handcuffed in court, former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold is now out of jail.

Alex DeMetrick has details of Leopold's release, and what happens next.

What John Leopold's personal plans are, he's keeping to himself for now. But the law has already set some ground rules.

When WJZ approached John Leopold's Pasadena home, he was just stepping out.

"I can't talk to you right now, but I will later. I can't right now," he said.

Ninety minutes earlier, he had just been released from the Anne Arundel County Detention Center after serving 30 days.

In March, the former Anne Arundel County Executive was convicted of two counts of misconduct in office, forcing some employees to do campaign work and a woman staffer to empty urine from his catheter bag.

A jail sentence was not the prosecution's request, but it warmed to it when the judge imposed one.

"I think it sends a powerful message to the community and to elected officials that this type of thing won't be tolerated," said Emmet Davitt, prosecutor.

Before that sentence, Leopold told the judge:

"For my irresponsible judgment, I am truly sorry."

Reaction to the surprise jail time was mixed.

"I'm angry at the judge for what he did," a woman said.

"It was a feeling of relief we got justice today," a former Leopold employee said.

Jail behind him, Leopold's remaining sentence is 30 days of home detention, a fine that could climb from $75,000 to $100,000 and 400 hours of community service work.

"I've got to run, really. I've got a deadline I have to meet. Nice to see you," said Leopold.

Leopold gave WJZ his phone number, asking we call and set up a time to talk. So far, calls have failed to schedule an interview about his past experiences or future plans.

Because Leopold resigned from office, he will reportedly keep the pension he earned as Anne Arundel County Executive.

Shortly after his resignation, the Anne Arundel County Council appointed a new executive, whose first action was to remove some members of Leopold's staff.